Guideline on

Cold Mix Standard for

Permanent Pothole
Patching
2021

Road Engineering Association of Malaysia

 FOREWORD

As practice in road construction and maintenance has evolved over time, it is

imperative for road authorities to continuously update on the new material and
technologies, which therefore leads to the needs of improving the existing
specification. Road Engineering Association of Malaysia (REAM) through
cooperation and support from various industry players and road authorities, are
proud to publish this guideline as an effort to establish a recognized application of
cold mix as permanent pothole patching material.

Guidelines on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching is a new

technical document developed under REAM Technical Committee. The
development of this document derived from the needs of industry player to
improve on pothole patching standard operating procedure in which it demand a
quick and fast action for the safety of road user.

Cold mix has been in the market for years but only as temporary solution. REAM
technical committee has recognised the advance science of material particularly
on cold mix product at present time to capitalize its potential to contribute to the
fast action of pothole patching. With laboratory evidence and site performance,
the committee has introduced a standard for cold mix to be used as permanent
solution. The committee also has consider the factors and parameters that crucially
needed for cold mix to be as durable as hot mix for pothole patching. However,
the committee has also consider to have this guidelines practical and correspond
with current test facilities in the country.

With this guidelines, industry players can aim the application of cold mix as
permanent pothole patching in their respective area. This guidelines also hope to
be the leverage of bigger market and better cold mix product in the future. Last
but not least, with this guidelines, the application of cold mix for permanent
pothole patching shall contributes to the sustainable road maintenance activities
for years to come.
 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This Guidelines on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching has been
prepared by a technical committee consisting of engineers from various
background lead by Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia. The technical committee
members involved in preparing this document are : -

Ir Hamzah bin Hashim Cawangan Jalan, JKR Malaysia (Chairman)

Ir. Sufiyan bin Zakaria Caw. Senggara Fasiliti Jalan, JKR Malaysia

Dr. Hanani binti Mohamed Radzi Pusat Kecemerlangan Kejuruteraan & Teknologi,
JKR Malaysia

Ahmad Fathullah bin Ahmad Halimi Caw. Senggara Fasiliti Jalan, JKR Malaysia

Nizarman bin Zamri Caw. Senggara Fasiliti Jalan, JKR Malaysia

Nor Hazrin binti Husin Caw. Senggara Fasiliti Jalan, JKR Malaysia

Ts. Mohd Yazip bin Matori KI Integrated Sdn Bhd

Abdul Hamid bin Othman AHN Vertex Sdn Bhd

Abdul Jalil bin Ahmad AHN Vertex Sdn Bhd

Ir. Abdul Razak bin Abdul Latip AHN Vertex Sdn Bhd

Amirul Rafik bin Anwar Taufeek QP Industries Sdn Bhd

Robert Lee Eng Heng QP Industries Sdn Bhd

Mohd Azman bin Mudzaffar Srijanis Sdn Bhd

Mohd Fadhli bin Mudzaffar Srijanis Sdn Bhd

Mazlan bin Mudzaffar Srijanis Sdn Bhd

Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Rahim Smart Road System

Rafian Sham bin Haji Aswan Smart Road System

Mohd Noor Adam bin Mohd Nordin Kemaman Bitumen Company Sdn Bhd

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................... i

1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Road Maintenance ....................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Potholes ....................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Cold Mix ...................................................................................................................... 2
2.0 MATERIAL ............................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Aggregate Properties ................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Bitumen Properties ...................................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 Cutback Bitumen ......................................................................................................... 6
2.2.2 Bitumen Emulsion ....................................................................................................... 7
3.0 PRODUCTION PROCESS ...................................................................................... 7
4.0 TESTING METHOD ................................................................................................ 8
4.1 Test Protocol For Stability And Flow ......................................................................... 9
4.2 Test Protocol For Indirect Tensile Strength Test (ITS) For Adhesive Properties....... 9
4.3 Workability Test Protocol ......................................................................................... 10
5.0 PARAMETER FOR COLD MIX .......................................................................... 10
5.1 Workability ................................................................................................................ 10
5.2 Stability and Durability ............................................................................................. 10
5.3 Adhesive Property ..................................................................................................... 11
5.4 Stiffness Value .......................................................................................................... 11
6.0 HANDLING AND STORAGE ............................................................................... 12
7.0 STANDARD APPLICATION PROCESS ............................................................ 13
7.1 Work Process ............................................................................................................. 13
8.0 REFFERENCE ........................................................................................................ 14

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1 : Definitions on Potholes ......................................................................................... 2
Figure 2 : General Mixing Process of Cold Mix ................................................................... 8

LIST OF TABLE
Table 1: Recommended Gradation of Cold Mix Patching Mixture ...................................... 5
Table 2: Parameter of Cold Mix Properties ......................................................................... 12

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Road Maintenance

Road maintenance in Malaysia has been one of the main recipients in Malaysia’s
Annual Budget from year to year. In the year of 2018, 2019 and 2020, Ministry of
Works has been allocated around RM600 million to RM800 million per year for
maintenance activities of federal roads only. The figures however couldn’t match
with RM 2 billion per year needed by the Ministry of Works. With that yearly
allocation gap, it cause a backlog of untreated road assets. The similar issues are
being face with all road authorities in Malaysia and they are continuously
responsive in terms of allocating sufficient budget and venturing into new
innovation in maintenance to tackle the issue of maintenance backlog.

With the current global economic situation, Malaysia needs to re look and option
for maintenance method that offer less maintenance but appropriate, with limited
budget but sufficient enough to ensure the functionality of the road. Following
that, road authorities need to adapt and adjust road specifications, materials and
methods, to suite with the limitations without jeopardizing the safety of road users.

1.2 Potholes

Safety of the road users is the ultimatum in road engineering. In every stages of
road construction and maintenance, risk analysis has been registered to tackle
issues that expected to arise, especially from safety aspect. Pothole is one of the
road hazards that has been identified by the authorities. According to definition by
JKR Malaysia, pothole is a bowl-shaped cavity resulting from the loss of wearing
and binder course materials, with dimension of not less than 200mm diameter and
not more than 1000mm in any direction from edge to edge of pavement, and a
depth greater than 25mm. Any area beyond this defined dimension shall be treated
as pavement rehabilitation.

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

Figure 1 : Definitions on Potholes

In Federal Road Maintenance Concession Agreement, pothole patching is one of

the routine maintenance activities. It is clearly stated in the Agreement, the
Concession Company shall temporary patch pothole within 24 hours from the time
it was identified, and perform permanent patching within 3 days. By standard
operating procedure of pothole patching, it is impractical to have a small amount
of hot mix asphalt in a very short notice and outside working hours. Pothole
becomes a serious safety issues during rainy season where it often occur more than
usual. Patching pothole using hot mix during raining is a waste of action, time and
money. However, pothole is a hazard to the road user especially motorcyclist.
Cold mix has become an option in this situation but for temporary solution as for
the time being.

1.3 Cold Mix

Cold mix is being applied in road maintenance all over the world. The material
comes in bags or in pails, making it handy in supply and application. It does not
depend on temperature for workability, thus, provides flexibility in terms of
material storage and utilization. Cold mix technology has been improved in many
countries as it would be considered for paving works. In most countries, cold mix
is used for rapid pothole sealing or patching. It is a versatile patching material,
which are available anytime to perform the works.

In Malaysia, cold mix is used for temporary pothole patching. It is yet to be

approved for permanent patching material. This is because cold mix is literally
being compared to hot mix asphalt properties. In terms of material properties
which is based on Marshall method, cold mix couldn’t produce similar attribute

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

as hot mix. As cold mix manufacturers in Malaysia already began researching and
investing for the better cold mix material, established standard or specification
which appropriate to be referred to, is still yet to be published, for the required
performance and quality. As of today, road authorities remain to hold cold mix as
temporary solution for pothole patching.

On positive note, cold mix potential is yet to be explore to the fullest. However,
there are already a list of advantages that cold mix could provide to road industry
as following: -

⚫ Cold mix are factory manufactured and not by batching plant. It is available
around the clock in the market and easily purchased, depending on the work
routine.

⚫ Cold mix is not temperature dependant. It is much easier to handle the

material quality and workability, which leads to good patching work.

⚫ Cold mix could opt to be a mixed of normal performance, high performance

or special performance, depending on the mixtures and targeted application.
Cold mix can be used for temporary patching, permanent patching or
special condition patching which relates to the designated performance. It
is a matter of mixing the right gradation with bitumen or further enhanced
with the addition of additives.

Cold mix would be a temporary solution before permanent patching can be done
with hot mix. This approach is being applied by road authorities in Malaysia at the
moment. However, approved cold mix have potential in replacing hot mix as
permanent patching material, and may provide the road industry these extra
advantages: -

⚫ Permanent pothole patching can be done at any time in 24 hours.

⚫ No temporary patching work except due to the raining.

⚫ No wastage on material. Application of hot mix for permanent patching

would remove the cold mix material from previous patching. The
application of cold mix straight away would certainly reduce material
wastage, making it more sustainable for road industry.

This guideline comprises of cold mix materials, mixing method, properties and
test required. There are varieties of cold mix available in the market that are
potentially could be applied as permanent pothole patching. Therefore, this
document will provide a generic guideline, and focusing on the quality of the cold

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

mix. It is in view that this guideline will be a timely action to speed up pothole
patching activities. Furthermore, it will create more competitiveness in the
manufacturing of cold mix and provide more potential permanent pothole patching
material. The committee is deeply aspiring stakeholders to get broader benefit in
terms of safer road, optimum financial expenses and compliment in asset facilities
management.

2.0 MATERIAL

2.1 Aggregate Properties

Aggregates for cold mix shall be a mixture of coarse and fine aggregates, and
mineral filler. The individual aggregate shall be of sizes suitable for blending to
produce the required gradation of the combined aggregate.

Coarse aggregate shall be screened crushed hard rock, angular in shape and free
from dust, clay, vegetative and other organic matter, and other deleterious
substances. They shall conform to the following physical and mechanical quality
requirements;

a. The Los Angeles abrasion value when tested in accordance with ASTM
C131 shall be not more than 25%;
b. The weighted average loss of weight in the magnesium sulfate soundness
test (5 cycles) when tested in accordance with AASHTO Test Method T 104
shall be not more than 18%;
c. The flakiness index when tested in accordance with MS 30 shall be not more
than 25%;
d. The water absorption when tested in accordance with MS 30 shall be not
more than 2%;
e. The polished stone value when tested in accordance with MS 30 shall be not
less than 40 (only applicable to aggregates for wearing course).

Fine aggregate shall be clean screened quarry dust. Other types of fine aggregate
may be used subject to the approval. Fine aggregate shall be non-plastic and free
from clay, loam, aggregation of material, vegetative and other organic matter, and
other deleterious substances. They shall conform to the following physical and
mechanical quality requirements;

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

a. The sand equivalent of aggregate fraction passing the No. 4 (4.75mm) sieve
when tested in accordance with ASTM D 2419 shall be not less than 45%;
b. The fine aggregate angularity when tested in accordance with ASTM C
1252 shall be not less than 45%;
c. The Methylene Blue value when tested in accordance with Ohio Department
of Transportation Standard Test Method shall be not more than 10 mg/g;
d. The weighted average loss of weight in the magnesium sulphate soundness
test (5 cycles) when tested in accordance with AASHTO Test Method T 104
shall be not more than 20%;
e. The water absorption when tested in accordance with MS 30 shall be not
more than 2%.

Notwithstanding compliance with the requirements of this guideline, limestone

aggregates shall not be permitted for use.

A uniform gradation of cold mix mixture ensures the mix to be pliable and
workable. In addition, due to increased surface area that results from higher voids
in mineral aggregate, binder can be incorporated into the mix to improve its
durability. The recommended composition of cold mix patching mixture is as
Table 1 below:

Table 1: Recommended Gradation of Cold Mix Patching Mixture

B.S. Sieve Size (mm) Percentage Passing by Weight

14.0 100

10.0 75 - 100

5.0 20 - 70

3.35 10 - 60

1.18 5 - 40

0.150 2 - 15

0.075 0-8

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

2.2 Bitumen Properties

Bitumen is a dark brown or black sticky substance which occurs in nature or is

obtained from the refining of crude oil. It is semi-solid at room temperatures but
becomes fluid when heated. It is commercially available in several standard
grades. For many years, grades of bitumen are designated by the penetration
values. They are five standard grades: 40 – 50, 60 – 70, 80 – 100, 120 – 150 and
200 – 300 with the numerical grade indicating the allowable ranges of penetration
for each grade. In Malaysia, grade 60 – 70 conforming to MS 124 is specified as
per Clause 4.3.3.2 (c) of JKR/SPJ.

In the production of asphalt, both the bitumen and the aggregates are heated to
relatively high temperatures to liquidity the bitumen and dry the aggregates before
they are mixed together. For some processes, it is either not convenient or not
possible to heat the bitumen and/or aggregates, for example, in surface dressing
and in priming a surface. Therefore, cutback bitumen and bitumen emulsion are
used.

2.2.1 Cutback Bitumen

Cutback bitumen is produced by fluxing bitumen with a lighter fraction oil. It can
then be applied either at ambient temperature or heated to relatively low
temperatures. It starts to harden by the volatilisation of the flux oil. The rate of
hardening is determined by the volatility of the flux oil. Where rapid hardening is
needed, as in surface dressing, a light oil such as kerosene is used. Where slow
hardening is needed, as in patching materials and soil stabilisation, a less volatile
oil such as diesel is used. Cold application cutback bitumen may contain up to 30
percent of flux oil whereas cutback bitumen which is applied warm contains less.

Cutback bitumen is available by type and grade. The types (rapid-curing RC,
medium-curing MC and slow-curing SC) indicate the relative speed of
evaporation while the grades (30, 70, 250 and 3000) indicate the minimum
allowable kinematic viscosity in centistoke at 60oC. Cutback bitumen shall
comply with MS 159. Clause 4.3.1.2 of JKR/SPJ stipulates that prime coat
material shall be cutback bitumen of grade MC-70, or cationic bitumen emulsion
of grade SS-1K.

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

2.2.2 Bitumen Emulsion

Bitumen emulsion is a dispersion in water of minute drops of bitumen of average

diameter about 2 microns. It provides a means of using bitumen at ambient
temperature. The water evaporates shortly after the emulsion is exposed to the
atmosphere. It is muddy brown in colour and the ‘breaking’ of the emulsion is
indicated by the appearance of a glossy black film of bitumen on the surface to
which the emulsion is applied. It can be divided into four classes of which the first
two are the most widely used; anionic, cationic, non-ionic and clay-stabilised.

Bitumen emulsion shall comply with MS 161. The requirements for anionic
bitumen emulsion are excluded from MS 161 as this type of emulsion is not used
in road constructions. Cationic emulsion in general is more versatile. It can be
used over a broader range of aggregates than the anionic emulsion.

Bitumen emulsion is classified into three types: rapid setting (RS), medium setting
(MS) and slow setting (SS). Each type is classified into various grades, based
largely on bitumen content and viscosity. RS-1K and RS-2K are recommended
for tack coating, RS-3K for surface dressing, MS-1K and MS-2K for cold patch
and penetration macadam, and SS-1K for slurry seal and prime coating.
Nonetheless, bitumen emulsions shall be correctly designed for cold mix
application.

3.0 PRODUCTION PROCESS

There are three (3) stages of basic production process for cold mix, which is
mixing process, quality control and packaging process.

a. Mixing process : The production process requires a mini batch

b. Quality Control
plant whereby the aggregates and bitumen
are mixed together with additives in the pug
mill.
: All materials are mixed until proper blending
is achieved.
: Each completed batch of cold mix asphalt
shall be discharged into a storage container
and left to cool before packaging process.
: Samples from each production batch shall be
sent for laboratory testing. All parameters
shall conform to the quality requirement of
the cold mix specifications.

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

c. Packaging process : Finished product shall be packed in a 25kg

per pail and adequately labelled with batch
number, production date and packaging date.

Figure 2 : General Mixing Process of Cold Mix

4.0 TESTING METHOD

The study on cold mix for permanent pothole repair includes a series of tests of
the materials. The laboratory testing is compulsory to identify and gauge the
pertinent characteristics that could be referred to predict the performance of the
cold mix in the field. Most of the tests performed were based on hot mix asphalt
materials. To adapt with difference characteristic of the cold mix, the materials
needed to be aged in an oven to accelerate and simulate field conditions prior to
testing. A complete list of the tests performed follows:

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

4.1 Test Protocol For Stability And Flow

Sample preparation for Stability and Flow test are as follows:

1. Heat sample at 135 ºC for 3 hours in the oven.

2. Compact at 75 blows per side using Marshall Compactor.

3. Extrude the sample after compaction.

4. Cure sample at ambient temperature for 1 hour prior Marshall Stability and
flow.

5. Repeat procedure (1) to (4) for different sample curing at 24, 48, 72 and 96
hours.

6. Standard Test Method for Marshall Stability and Flow - (ASTM D6927-
15, 2015).

7. Result shall be based on 72 hours of test result.

4.2 Test Protocol For Indirect Tensile Strength Test (ITS) For Adhesive
Properties

Sample preparation for Indirect Tensile Strength test are as follows:

1. Heat sample at 135ºC for 3 hours in the oven.

2. Compact at 75 blows per side using Marshall compactor.

3. Extrude the sample after compaction.

4. Cure sample at ambient temperature prior Indirect Tensile Strength Test.

5. Standard Test Method for ITS - ASTM D 6931 – 17.

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

4.3 Workability Test Protocol

Prepare equipment for the test

• Base plate 40cm x 40cm (polished steel – smooth surface)

• Test cylinder – open ended tube 10cm diameter x 10cm height

• Top Pan Balance – accuracy to 1 decimal place

• Timing Device/Stop Clock

1. Place test cylinder on the centre of the base plate

2. Add 650grams of pre-weighed loose cold mix into test cylinder and level
the surface without any compaction

3. Allow to stand for 1 minutes

4. Remove the cylinder vertically, allowing the material to flow from the tube
and on to the base plate.

5. Observe that the material should be free flowing and should collapse
without any assistance within 30seconds

5.0 PARAMETER FOR COLD MIX

It is known that cold mix are using either bitumen emulsion or cutback as binder.
However, both bitumen are performing differently in terms of setting time and
strength. It is been discussed that crucial parameter for cold mix are as follows: -

5.1 Workability

Workability is required during handling operations at the stockpile and during

placement. The cold mix patching mixture must be sufficiently soft and pliable for
easy shovelling and raking. The mix should be free of lumps that are hard to break.
The mix with poor workability usually produces poor patches.

5.2 Stability and Durability

Stability is an important parameter to ensure cold mix is durable enough for

permanent patching. Hot mix stability is set to be the benchmark of the cold mix

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

durability. Durability is the resistance of the cold mix patching mixture to

deterioration due to traffic and weathering forces. Durability problems usually
appear in the form of ravelling, which defined as the progressive loss of aggregate
from the surface of a repair. The durability of cold mix patching mixture is closely
related to the quantity and type of binder. Greater durability is achieved with
optimum binder contents. The viscosity of the binder also can significantly
influence durability. Soft binders with soft resides are often considered more
desirable. Aggregate grading also influences the rate of hardening.

A cold mix patching mixture should be stable after placement and compaction to
resist vertical and horizontal displacement due to traffic loads, especially right
after compaction when the material is still setting in. Stability is also enhanced by
proper attention to aggregate grading and aggregate properties. Lack of stability
causes dishing and shoving of the mixture.

5.3 Adhesive Property

Adhesiveness causes the mixture to adhere to the underlying pavement and sides
of the pothole. Both the type and amount of binder influence the adhesiveness of
the patching mixture. Soft binders usually adhere better than harder binders.
Adequate adhesiveness is obtained normally by increasing the quantity of the
binder in the mixture. The adhesive property is complimentary with early strength
of the cold mix. This parameter is to ensure the cold mix aggregate won’t detach
by the force of heavy traffic load, which is critical when patch area is open to
traffic. Adhesive property is measured by Indirect Tensile Strength Test value as
stated in this standard.

5.4 Stiffness Value

The stiffness of the asphalt aggregate mixture is very important in determining

how well the pavement performs and is used to evaluate the pavement response to
the traffic load. The empirical measure of Marshall Stiffness index is by
proportion of Marshall Stability and flow value. The higher Marshall Stiffness
index indicates a stiffer mixture, suggesting that the mixture is likely to have more
resistance to permanent deformation. For cold mix, stiffness value also plays an
important parameter to the performance, thus becoming a compulsory parameter
for cold mix.

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

Table 2 below are the parameters that crucial for cold mix for permanent patching.

Table 2: Parameter of Cold Mix Properties

Parameter Value
Workability* <30 Seconds to collapse
Stability (at 72hrs) minimum 6000 N
Adhesiveness Properties ≥ 0.2 MPa
Flow 2 - 5 mm
Grading As per Table 1
Stiffness ≥ 2000 N/mm
Degree of Compaction** 90-100% compacted

Note : *Refer to the method of workability test protocol

**On site density test shall be non-destructive method.

6.0 HANDLING AND STORAGE

Shelf Life - each pail/bag should have a minimum shelf life of 6 months after
production date.

Handling (Personnel) - before usage, each personnel shall carefully read the
product label. Safe work practices especially use of proper personal protective
equipment are recommended during packing and laying process to avoid eye or
skin contact. Any product adhered to the skin can be removed using water and
soap. Observe good personal hygiene, including washing hands before eating.
Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited in work areas.

Storage - Store in cool place, under adequate shade and with proper ventilation.
The product mush not be kept under direct sunlight. If not fully used, any opened
pail must be sealed immediately to prevent any oxidation or degradation of the
asphalt mixture. Keep away from any flammable substances.

Exposure controls - Avoid inhalation. Use in well-ventilated areas. Where an

inhalation risk exists, installation of a good mechanical extraction ventilation
(MEV) system is recommended.

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Eye & Face : wear safety glasses

• Hands : wear leather or cotton gloves

• Body : wear coveralls and leather boots

• Respiratory : where an inhalation risk exists, wear respirator

(organic gases/vapours and particulate) respirator

7.0 STANDARD APPLICATION PROCESS

Before start of work, traffic management must be set up properly according to

road authority’s Standard Traffic Management Plan (TMP). Appropriate traffic
control is necessary and all other required safety equipment must be in place and
worn by all personnel at site. All personnel must be properly trained on the use of
equipment and safety procedures and must be certified and qualified by relevant
construction and safety authority respectively (CIDB, NIOSH & etc. as required).

7.1 Work Process

1. Identify the failed and weak area for repair.

2. Mark area to be cut ‘picture frame’ for clear boundary.

3. Use a diamond blade cutter (handheld or roller) to precisely and cleanly cut
on the marked area.

4. Use a hacker to loosen and extract hard asphalt within the cut boundary.

5. Remove and sweep out all excess debris including any dust or loose
pavement until firm base.

6. Ensure the firm base surface is clean and free from loose material, oil,
grease, standing water and any other contamination.

7. Depending on the type of cold mix used for patching, the firm base area
including vertical edges of the extracted patch may or may not be required
to be covered or coated with appropriate bitumen emulsion tack coat.

8. Apply the cold mix evenly in the area and spread the cold mix material
evenly with a rake until surface and edge is uniform.

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

9. Ensure level off with 15% to 25% higher than final layer depth for
allowance of compaction settlement.

10. Compact thoroughly with vibratory plate compactor or a roller from outer
perimeter and working towards center of the repair area.

11. Ensure full compaction until no drop/sag and surface is hard.

12. The surface finish of the final patch should be checked for an even and
smooth surface level. No depressions or unevenness should be allowed.

13. Perform non-destructive compaction test.

14. Re-sweep or blow clean the area to remove any leftover material, dirt, or
debris.

15. Before removing traffic safety equipment, re-affirm the patched cold mix
has hardened and set, confirming the pothole repair is stable enough for
opening of traffic.

8.0 REFFERENCE
Akhtarhusein A. Tayebali, Bor-wen Tsai, & Carl L. Monismith. (1994). Stiffness of
Asphalt-Agreegate Mixes. Washington, DC: Strategic Highway Reserch
Program, National Research Program.
ASTM D2041 / D2041M-19. (2019). Standard Test Method for Theoretical Maximum
Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures. West Conshohocken, PA:
ASTM International.
ASTM D2172 / D2172M-17e1. (2017). Standard Test Methods for Quantitative
Extraction of Asphalt Binder from Asphalt Mixtures. West Conshohocken, PA:
ASTM International.
ASTM D6927-15. (2015). Standard Test Method for Marshall Stability and Flow of
Asphalt Mixtures. West Conshohocken: ASTM International.
ASTM D6931-17. (2017). Standard Test Method for Indirect Tensile (IDT) Strength of
Asphalt Mixtures. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
Dr. Ali Maher, Dr. Nenad Gucunski, William Yanko, & Fotina Petsi. (2001).
Evaluation of Pothole Patching Materials. New Jersey: Dept. of Civil &
Environmental Engineering.

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 Guideline on Cold Mix Standard for Permanent Pothole Patching

Thomas P. Wilson; A. Russell Romine; ERES Consultants, Inc. (1993). Innovative

Materials Development and Testing, Volume 2: Pothole Repair. Washington,
DC: Strategic Highway Research Program.

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